Bugatti Tourbillon: The beginning of the V16 hybrid chapter

Bugatti has finally revealed its next-generation hypercar – the Tourbillon. It’s named after a component in a mechanical watch that is responsible for regulating the watch’s timekeeping.

With the Bugatti Tourbillon, the brand enters a new chapter. Having produced models like the 1001 hp Veyron and the 1500 hp Chiron, the new car has big shoes to fill.

Bugatti started with a blank sheet of paper with this one. The Tourbillon doesn’t share a single component with its predecessor, the Chiron. In fact, the overall height has also been reduced for a more focused design.

Speaking of design, the Tourbillon features a larger horseshoe grille with sleeker quad LED headlamps on either side. It has floating fenders that channel air around the A-pillars and into the massive ducts on either side.

A new interpretation of the ‘Bugatti line’ can be seen from the side. Another signature design element is the prominent spine that runs along the centre line of the car.

Step inside, and the interior has a futuristic vibe with exquisite details inspired by watchmaking. The gauge cluster looks and functions like a mechanical watch movement. Bugatti has also reinvented the steering wheel, where the hub and gauges stay in place and the wheel rotates around it.

The Tourbillon is powered by an all-new engine as well. Gone is the quad-turbo W16 and its place is taken by a naturally aspirated V16 hybrid powertrain. The internal combustion engine produces 1000 hp @ 9000 rpm and 664 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with three electric motors for a combined output of 1800 hp.

The transmission is an 8-speed dual-clutch unit. Bugatti claims a 0-62 mph time of 2.0 seconds, while 0-186 mph comes up in less than 10 seconds. The Tourbillon can reach 248 mph from a standstill in under 25 seconds!

Source: Bugatti